keeping up with political events

Your vote is very valuable to a candidate for Congress, but for candidates who are lesser-known, what's even more valuable is a campaign contribution. Running a campaign is expensive and lesser-known candidates often rely on advertisements to get their name out. There are several reasons why it's beneficial to donate to a congressional candidate.

Consultants

Congressional candidates need campaign contributions to pay for consultants. The goal of a political consultant is to advise and assist in a campaign. They are primarily focused on the use of mass media to reach voters. They also engage in opposition research that can be used to create effective ads criticizing political opponents.

Polling

Candidates need to hire pollsters so that they can campaign more effectively. Polling provides important information such as the attitudes that voters have toward various issues, opinions about candidates and engagement with the election. Information derived from polling can be used by consultants to assist candidates in effectively running for office.

Resources

Candidates need funding to pay for supplies. You may also donate supplies to a candidate. A congressional candidate may need to rent a facility. Some donors also donate a facility they own to a candidate they support.

Mailing Lists

Congressional candidates will sometimes purchase mailing lists. These are lists of names that are likely to be receptive to direct mail advertising. The advantage of direct mail is that a candidate has an object he or she holds in his or her hands that can be referenced later if the voter chooses to vote for the candidate.

Volunteers

Campaign contributions also pay the salaries of volunteers. A campaign sometimes requires a small army of volunteers who serve various functions. For example, volunteers will often go door-to-door to speak with voters, encourage them to support a candidate, and find out why they may not support a particular candidate.

It's impossible to predict to what extent donations will help a candidate win. However, through traditional canvassing methods, it takes less than $50 to earn one vote. Therefore, if there isn't a clear frontrunner, donations can play a large role in the outcome of the race.

Not only do individuals make contributions to campaigns, but also corporations through direct contributions and through super PACs. These contributions are sometimes used with the hope of influencing a candidate, but there is not always a direct connection between campaign contributions and benefits that a corporation might see.

There are many ways that you can support a candidate. For example, you can donate to a democratic candidate for Congress that you support. Consider getting involved today.